Rotary lighting module

ABSTRACT

A lighting module for a motor vehicle including at least one light source designed to emit light rays, optical deviation elements mounted movably in rotation about a first axis of rotation and arranged so as to deviate the light rays to form a light beam, and an actuator designed to rotate the optical element. According to the invention, the module is also designed to be movable in rotation about a second of rotation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the domain of lighting and/or signaling, inparticular for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relatesto a lighting module for a motor vehicle, as well as a lighting and/orsignaling device including such a lighting module.

Description of the Related Art

Lighting and/or signaling devices may include one or more lightingmodules mounted rotatably about an axis, notably to address the problemsof cornering lights. Notably, document EP 295 74 64 describes a lightingand/or signaling device for a motor vehicle that includes a housing andan assembly of at least two lighting modules, in which at least oneportion of each lighting module is mounted movably in rotation about anaxis under the effect of an actuator designed to transversely move thecorresponding light beam coming from the lighting module. A relatedcontrol device is designed to provide specific lighting commandinstructions differently for each lighting module as a function oftraffic conditions.

Such rotary modules are particularly suited to performing directionallighting functions, better known as dynamic bending light (DBL), inwhich the objective is to dynamically illuminate the bend when thevehicle is turning. Since the lighting module is mounted pivotinglyabout a substantially vertical axis of rotation, the beam projected fromthe headlamp can be oriented towards the inside of a bend whencornering, instead of along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns the multiplication of lighting functionsprovided to users, in addition to the directional lighting functiondescribed above. Naturally, it is beneficial for the multiplication ofsuch functions to be accompanied by design work to reduce the number ofmodules in a headlamp, in order to optimize size and/or reduce thenumber of components in each such module.

The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling device for a motorvehicle, containing at least one specific lighting module.

More specifically, the invention relates to a lighting module for amotor vehicle including at least one light source designed to emit lightrays, optical deviation elements mounted movably in rotation about afirst axis of rotation and arranged so as to deviate said light rays toform a light beam, and an actuator designed to rotate the opticalelement.

According to the invention, the lighting module is also designed to bemovable in rotation about a second axis of rotation substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

Thus, a single lighting module can be used to manage the BDL directionallighting function to light the inside of bends by moving transverselyeither leftwards or rightwards the global light beam outputted, as wellas to adjust the orientation of the global light beam emitted byenabling the vertical movement of the global light beam, either upwardsor downwards. When the vehicle is traveling at high speed, this lattercase may facilitate early recognition of road signs positioned overheadon roads such as motorways, or to increase or decrease the range of thelights as a function of the load of the vehicle affecting the overallincline of same.

Furthermore, the invention has at least one of the following features,implemented individually or in combination with other features:

-   -   the first and second axes of rotation are substantially        perpendicular to one another,    -   the elements used to guide rotation about the first axis of        rotation are arranged between the optical deviation elements and        the support,    -   the actuator includes an output shaft extending along the first        axis of rotation and carrying the optical deviation elements,    -   the output shaft and the rotational guide elements are arranged        on either side of the optical deviation elements along the first        axis of rotation,    -   the optical deviation elements comprise a substantially        elliptical reflector, the light source being arranged        substantially in the vicinity of a first focus of said        reflector,    -   at least one lighting module is associated with its own        connecting rod, which is rigidly connected firstly to the        actuator and, at a second opposite extremity, to a support        overlapping the optical deviation elements of the related        lighting module,    -   the support carries the light source associated with the        lighting module,    -   the second axis of rotation is formed at least partially by an        element carried by the support,    -   the second axis of rotation is defined at least partially by two        projections projecting from the support, designed to cooperate        with bearings; each projection may be a cylindrical pin,        oriented so as to help define along the second axis of rotation,    -   the module is rotated about the second axis of rotation by an        actuation element designed to push the connecting rod,    -   the actuation element is designed to push on a first end of the        connecting rod opposite the end of the connecting rod that is        rigidly connected to the support containing the second axis of        rotation,    -   the actuation element includes a board carrying attachment means        that are designed to cooperate with attachment means carried on        the connecting rod.

The invention also relates to a lighting and/or signaling device for amotor vehicle, including at least one lighting module as describedabove.

Notably, the device may include a housing and a closing outer lensdelimiting a seat for the at least one lighting module. This lightingmodule may be associated with at least one plate rigidly connected tothe housing and having bearings used to define the second axis ofrotation. The light beam projected from the lighting module is designedto pass through this closing outer lens before being projected onto theroad in front of the vehicle.

The device may include an assembly of at least two lighting modules,each participating in the formation of a light beam, the aggregation oflight beams forming a global light beam at the output of the device,notably in compliance with motor vehicle lighting and/or signalingregulations.

In each of the cases described above, the second axis of rotation may bespecific to each lighting module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention are explainedmore clearly in the description and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective front view of alighting module,

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the lighting module in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a three-quarter perspective profile front view of a lightingand/or signaling device according to a first embodiment, including anassembly of three lighting modules as shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a top view of the lighting and/or signaling device in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a three-quarter perspective front view of the lighting and/orsignaling device according to a second embodiment, and

FIG. 6 is a three-quarter perspective rear view of the lighting and/orsignaling device in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description below uses, without limitation, a longitudinal, verticaland transverse orientation conventionally applied to motor cars.Furthermore, the terms lower and upper should be understood with theobject in the normal usage position.

A lighting and/or signaling device 1 according to the invention includesat least one lighting module 2 designed to move the light beam comingout of the module in two directions, notably substantially transverselyabout a first axis of rotation 4 and substantially vertically about asecond axis of rotation 5, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The lighting module 2 includes optical deviation elements 6 for the raysemitted by a light source 8 carried by a support 10. The opticaldeviation elements 6 are arranged about the first axis of rotation 4 andare driven in rotation by an actuator 12 about the first axis ofrotation 4 to transversely move a corresponding light beam outputtedfrom the lighting module 2.

The optical deviation elements 6 cooperate with the support 10overlapping the lighting module 2, in particular by means of rotationalguide elements (not shown here). The support 10 has a first face,referred to as the upper face 11, and a second face, referred to as thelower face 13, the lower face and the upper face being linked axially atthe periphery of same by a lateral face 15.

The support 10 firstly carries the light source 8, which emits raystowards the optical deviation elements 6, and secondly carries a portionof the rotational guide elements 14 for the optical deviation elements 6about the first axis of rotation 4. The optical deviation elements 6,which are described in greater detail below, are positioned between theguide elements and the actuator 12 relative to the arrangement of samealong the first axis of rotation 4.

Control means (not shown here) control the actuator 12. A movement istransmitted by this actuator 12 to an output shaft 16, which transmitsthe commanded rotational movement about the first axis of rotation 4 tothe optical deviation elements 6. As shown, the output shaft 16 isrigidly connected to the optical deviation elements 6 at a first end 18,in this case deemed to be the lower end in consideration of theorientation defined above.

In this case, the optical deviation elements 6 comprise an elliptical orparabolic reflector with a reflective face 20 designed to reflect thelight rays emitted by the light source 8, which is substantiallypositioned in the vicinity of a first focus of the optical deviationelements 6. A light beam is thus generated to form a light beam that iscompliant with motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling regulations.

Without departing from the context of the invention, the opticaldeviation elements 6 may have different shapes provided they are drivenin rotation by an actuator 12 at a first end in relation to the firstaxis of rotation 4, and the arrangement of same in relation to the lightsource enables formation of a regulation-compliant beam.

In the vicinity of a second end 22 of the optical deviation elements 6,in this case referred to as the upper end in consideration of theorientation described above, i.e. the end opposite the first end 18where the actuator 12 extends, there are upper rotational guide elements14, by means of which the optical deviation elements 6 cooperate withthe support 10.

Notably in order to enable a portion of these rotational guide elements14 to be attached to the optical deviation elements 6, the second end 22has an edge 23 that forms, at the periphery of the reflective face 20, abearing surface for this portion of the rotational guide elements 14.

The arrangement of the rotational guide elements 14 and of the drivemeans formed by the actuator 12 and the output shaft 16, on either sideof the optical deviation elements 6, enables optimal rotational guidanceof the optical deviation elements about the axis of rotation.

Naturally, this guidance in rotation about the first axis of rotation 4is important in the context of the invention, where the module ispivoted about a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular tothe first axis of rotation, which requires great precision in thepositioning of the module. However, if the module is precisely driven inrotation about the first axis merely through cooperation of the drivemeans, the upper rotational guide elements 14 may be omitted withoutthereby departing from the context of the invention.

The rotational guide elements 14 and the output shaft 16 enable theoptical deviation elements 6 to rotate up to 360° about the first axisof rotation 4, which is substantially vertical, without any force on theactuator 12, and with a high degree of precision in the relativepositioning of the optical deviation elements 6 and of the light source8, which is advantageously centered on the first axis of rotation 4.

The upper rotational guide elements 14 may be formed by one or moreintermediate parts arranged between the support and the opticaldeviation elements, and they may notably be formed in two portionscomprising a first portion rigidly connected to the support 10 and asecond portion rigidly connected to the optical deviation elements 6, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By way of example, the guide elements maycomprise a rotor rigidly connected to the optical deviation elements,notably by attaching axial arms 24 extending the rotor and cooperatingwith the edge 23 arranged at the periphery of the reflective face 20,and a stator rigidly connected to the support 10, about which the rotorturns. The shape of the upper rotational guide elements 14 may bechanged without adversely affecting the guide function about the firstaxis of rotation and the rotational guide elements may notably beconstructed without any intermediate parts, by cooperation of an annularjournal projecting from the support used as guide paths for cylindricalpins extending axially, i e. substantially parallel to the first axis ofrotation, from the edge 23 arranged at the periphery of the reflectiveface 20.

As described above, the lighting module 2, and more specifically thesupport 10, carries at least one light source 8, although same may carrya plurality of light sources including one light source S and anadditional light source 25, which may be semi-conductorlight-emitting-diode sources.

The light source 8 is substantially aligned on the first axis ofrotation 4. The expression “substantially aligned” means that thedistance between the geometric center of the light source, such as alight-emitting diode, and the first axis of rotation 4 of the lightingmodule 2 is not greater than the dimensions of the light-emitting diode.This latter may be attached and positioned on the first face, or lowerface, 13 of the support 10, in this case covered by a first printedcircuit board 26.

The additional light source or sources 25 are located around theperiphery of the light source 8. These latter may be attached andpositioned on a second printed circuit board 28, which is itselfattached to the lower face 13 of the support 10 oriented towards theoptical deviation elements 6, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the lighting module 2, these light sources perform different lightingand/or signaling functions, and notably the main light sourceparticipates in performing low-beam or high-beam lighting functions,while the additional light sources participate in signaling functionsusing screens, as described below. The main light source is notablydesigned such that the light rays emitted from same are oriented towardsthe optical deviation elements 6.

The means associated with performance of a rotation function about thesecond axis of rotation 5, which is substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis of rotation 4, are described below, notably with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

The support 10 carries projections 30, projecting from the peripherallateral face 15 of same, that are diametrically opposed and aligned soas to determine, by cooperating with the bearings 32 (shown in FIG. 3)as described below, the orientation of the second axis of rotation 5. Inthe example shown, the projections 30 are each a cylindrical pin, butmay be of any other shape enabling cooperation with the bearing 32, forexample spherical.

These projections 30 are in this case designed to participate in theformation of a second axis of rotation 5 that is distinct from the firstaxis of rotation 4 about which the optical deviation elements aredesigned to turn via the actuator 12 and the rotational guide elements.

These projections are designed to cooperate with the coaxial bearingscarried a structural part attached to the housing of the lighting and/orsignaling device, as described in greater detail below. Each bearing hasa groove into which is inserted the projection 30, which may be a pin ora pad, of the support 10. The cooperation between the bearings and theprojections determines the second axis of rotation 5 for the lightingmodule 2. Axial operational clearance in the direction of the first axisof rotation 4 firstly enables rotation without friction, beneath theplate, of the module about the first axis of rotation, and enables atilting of the module beneath the plate in rotation about the secondaxis of rotation. The structural part and the bearings carried by sameare described in greater detail below in the description of the lightingand/or signaling device.

In a given arrangement, the first axis of rotation 4 is substantiallyvertical and enables the transverse rotation (in the left-right and theright-left direction) of the light beam coming out of the correspondinglighting module 2, inside the lighting and/or signaling device. Thesecond axis of rotation 5 is substantially horizontal and enables thevertical movement (in the up-down and the down-up direction) of thelight beam outputted from the corresponding lighting module 2, insidethe lighting and/or signaling device. These two axes of rotation 4 and 5are distinct and not parallel, and are advantageously perpendicular toone another.

FIG. 3 shows a module with the corresponding first and second axes ofrotation. Where each of the lighting modules of a lighting and/orsignaling device includes means for generating rotational movement abouttwo axes, it is advantageous in terms of the consistency of the globallight beam projected that the first and second axes of rotationbelonging to each lighting module be substantially parallel to the firstaxis of rotation 4 and to the second axis of rotation 5 of neighboringlighting modules 2.

The lighting module 2 according to the invention, as described above, isarranged in a headlamp housing (not shown) of a motor vehicle. Aplurality of lighting modules 2 as described above may be arrangedtogether to form a lighting and/or signaling device, and it isadvantageous for both headlamps (left and right) to have equivalentassemblies.

The lighting and/or signaling device 1 according to the invention isdescribed below in greater detail with reference to the embodiments inFIGS. 3 to 6, in which the lighting and/or signaling device 1 comprisesthree lighting modules 2.

According to the invention, each of the three modules of the lightingand/or signaling device 1 are movable in rotation about a first axis ofrotation 4 and about the second axis of rotation 5. A single lightingmodule may have this dual-rotation feature in the lighting and/orsignaling device without thereby departing from the context of theinvention.

A plate 34 is attached to the housing and designed to correctly positionthe support 10, and therefore the primary light source 8, of eachlighting module 2 in relation to the headlamp of the vehicle (notshown).

Furthermore and as specified above, the plate 34 participates in theformation of the second axis of rotation 5, notably by the arrangementof two coaxial bearings 32 per lighting module, which are eitherintegral with same or made separately and then attached to the plate.Each bearing 32 has a groove 36 into which is inserted the projection30, which may be a pin or a pad, of the support 10. When the associatedactuating means are engaged, the projection is liable to roll in thegroove formed in the bearing and to facilitate the rotational guidanceof the module about the second axis of rotation 5.

Each lighting module 2 is associated with a plate or a plate portionthat overlaps the lighting module, notably the support 10. In a firstembodiment of the lighting and/or signaling device according to theinvention, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plate portion is individuallyassociated with a single lighting module 2 and the three portionsrespectively associated with each of the modules are rigidly connectedtogether to form a plate 34, and in a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5and 6, a trim or mask 34′ substantially covers the assembly of the threelighting modules 2 and the associated plate portions.

In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each plate 34 has twoportions: a first portion 38 in the form of a bar with bearings 32 atthe ends of same, and a second portion 40 perpendicularly extending thefirst portion substantially at the center of same. For two of the plates34, the second portion 40 forms an elbow extended as far as one end ofthe first portion of the neighboring plate, enabling the central portionof the first portion 38 of the plate 34 of a first lighting module 2 tobe linked to one end of the first portion of the plate 34 of anotherneighboring lighting module 2. Naturally, this elbow shape is shown inthis case by way of example and may be modified without changing thefunction.

The specific arrangement of the plate 34 is designed to minimize thespace occupied in the housing, while securely holding the lightingmodules 2 together and to the housing. Each lighting module 2 may beassociated with an individual plate, that is independent of otherplates, but the plate is advantageously made as a single part includingseveral bearings respectively associated with one module, such that onlyone part needs to be attached inside the housing and only one mold needsto be provided, thereby simplifying assembly conditions, saving time andreducing cost.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the module includes atrim 34′ substantially covering the assembly of the three lightingmodules 2 and the associated plate or plates 34. The trim 34′ thus formsa fairing, that is notably extended towards the closing outer lens (notshown here) of the housing of the headlamp by the tray 42. The trim 34′includes a plurality of windows 44, respectively provided for each ofthe modules covered by the plate, the arrangement of which enables thelighting module 2 to rotate freely about the second axis of rotation 5.Where present, such a trim 34′ rather than the plate or plates 34, bearsthe attachment means to the housing.

Furthermore, each lighting module is associated with a connecting rod46, in this case in the form of a square plate, that comprises asupporting part for the support 10 and a transmission part for amovement of an actuation element 48 (shown in particular in FIG. 6)causing the module to pivot about the second axis of rotation 5. Forthis purpose, the connecting rod 46 is linked at a first free end 50with the actuation element 48 and is rigidly connected to the support 10at the second opposing free end 52 of same.

The actuation element 48, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is a plateextending beneath the assembly of the three lighting modules 2. Saidplate carries three male click elements 54 designed to cooperate withthe female click elements 56 carried by each of the square connectingrods 46. The attachment means between the actuation element 48 and thesquare connecting rods 46 need not be click elements, provided that theyenable the transmission of the movement from one to the other.

The actuation element 48 is made movable under the effect of a rod (notshown here) rigidly connected to a sleeve 58 arranged between of theactuation element. The motorized movement of the rod generates atranslational movement of the actuation element and a correspondingthrust on each of the connecting rods 46 linked to the actuationelement.

The fact that the projections 30, rigidly connected to the squareconnecting rods at the opposite end, butt against the groove 36 of thebearings 32 generates a rotational effect about an axis substantiallydefined by the contact lines between the projections and the bearings.The module continues to pivot until the thrust from the actuationelement 48 ceases. Since the upper portion of the square connecting rod46 is connected to the support 10 of the light source 8, this supportfollows the rotational movement, whereas, at the opposite end, saidrotational movement of the square connecting rod 46 is followed by anattachment base 60 of the actuator 12, which is rigidly connected tosaid connecting rod. This results in a rotational movement of theoptical deviation elements 6, which are driven by the support 10, viathe upper rotational guide elements 14, and by the actuator block 12,such that the position of the optical deviation elements in relation tothe main light source in particular remains reliable throughout therotation about the second axis 5.

The square connecting rod 46 is designed to enable the free rotation andpassing of the optical deviation elements 6 about the first axis ofrotation 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the lighting module 2 according to theinvention may include a transparent screen 62 placed on the output pathof the light beam from the lighting module 2. This screen 62 is arrangedto receive the rays emitted by the additional light source or sources25. The screen is thus intended to produce a style effect when theadditional light sources are turned on, without hindering the formationof a regulation-compliant beam when the main light source 8 is turnedon. The screen 62 in this case only performs an additional function andthe lighting module need not include such a screen facing the opticaldeviation elements 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The lighting module 2 also includes a control device designed toformulate command instructions using information received from vehiclestate sensors, said instructions being sent to the actuator 12 and tothe actuation means (not shown) used for the rotational movement aboutthe second axis of rotation. The instructions involve determining theangular position of the lighting module 2 about the first axis ofrotation 4 and/or about the second axis of rotation 5.

The lighting function can thus be made directional, using the actuator12 and the actuation means related to the rotational movement about thesecond axis of rotation 5 of the lighting module 2. The rotationalmovements about the first axis of rotation 4 and about the second axisof rotation 5 may be simultaneous and calibrated between the two axes,or entirely independent.

Simultaneous rotation is notably possible since the actuator 12 isdriven in rotation with the lighting module 2 when the latter is drivenin rotation about the second axis of rotation 5. When the lightingmodule 2 is driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation 5, therotation about the first axis of rotation 4 is made possible notably byan arrangement provided for this purpose.

The rotation about each of these axes of rotation may be complete orpartial. More specifically, in the example illustrated, the rotationabout the first axis of rotation may be equal to 360°, while the angleof rotation about the second axis of rotation is equal to a few degrees,notably for reasons relating to size and functional requirements of thecorresponding lights.

The maximum rotation of the lighting module 2 about the first axis ofrotation 4 is a rotation of the optical deviation elements 6 between afirst position in which the reflective face 20 is in an active position,i.e. turned towards the front of the vehicle, and a second position inwhich an aspect face on the back of the reflective face is active, forexample to perform a signaling function when starting the vehicle.

The partial rotation of the lighting module 2 about the first axis ofrotation 4 is a rotation of a few degrees of the optical deviationelements 6, and is notably used when the reflective face 20 is in theactive position and the main lighting source 8, which remains static, isemitting rays towards this reflective face 20. This enables a dynamicbending light (DBL) directional lighting function to be provided usingthe actuator 12 of the lighting module, which commands a rotation of theoptical deviation elements 6 of between one and several degrees aboutthe first axis of rotation 4.

The partial rotation of the lighting module 2 about the second axis ofrotation 5 is a rotation of between one and several degrees of theoptical deviation elements 6, and is notably used when the opticaldeviation elements 6 are in the active position and the main lightingsource 8 is emitting rays towards these optical deviation elements 6, inorder notably to offset the light beam formed at the output of thelighting module 2 by several degrees in relation to the horizon. Maximumrotation is the rotation permitted by the size of the headlamp.

The lighting function can thus be made directional, using the actuator12 and the actuation means related to the rotational movement about thesecond axis of rotation 5 of the lighting module 2. The rotation of thelighting module 2 can therefore be commanded about the first axis ofrotation 4 and/or the second axis of rotation 5, the rotationalmovements about these two axes of rotation being simultaneous orentirely independent. The simultaneous rotation about the two axes ofrotation is possible since the actuator 12 is driven in rotation withthe lighting module 2 when the latter is driven in rotation about thesecond axis of rotation 5.

Operation of the lighting and/or signaling device is described below,notably a first embodiment in which the light beam outputted from thelighting module 2 is diverted transversely, and a second embodiment inwhich the light beam is deviated vertically at the output of thelighting module. These two operating modes can operate simultaneously oralternately.

The first operating mode involves the actuator 12 transmitting arotational movement to the output shaft 16, said output shaft 16 drivingthe optical deviation elements 6 in rotation about the first axis ofrotation 4, the rotation being guided along a path defined by thearrangement of the rotational guide elements 14. The optical deviationelements 6 turn about the first axis of rotation 4 by an angle definedby the command instructions sent to the actuator, while the support 10and the light sources carried by same remain static. The squareconnecting rod 46 forms the link between the support 10 of the lightingsource and the actuator 12, and is firstly rigidly connected to thesupport 10 at a first end and secondly rigidly connected to theattachment base 60 of the actuator using attachment means 64, in thiscase a threaded shaft arranged between the square connecting rod and thebase 60 and traversed by a clamping screw (not shown) that attaches theconnecting rod to the attachment base of the actuator. Notably, thelight source 8 is centered with the focus of the optical deviationelements 6 in advance. The rays are then deviated at the output of thelighting module 2 as a function of the degree of rotation commanded andsubsequently effected by the actuator 12 the light beam outputted canperform a transverse movement.

The second operating mode involves the actuation means 48 (shown in FIG.4) being able to push the bottom of the connecting rod 46 using theclick elements. This thrust on the square connecting rod 46 causes apivoting of the module assembly about the second axis of rotation 5. Theprojections 30 from the lateral face 15 of the support 10 turn in thestatic bearings carried by the plate. The bottom of the squareconnecting rod pivots, driving the attachment base of the actuator 12,the actuator 12, the output shaft 16, the optical deviation elements 6,the rotational guide elements 14 and the different portions of thesupport 10 when rotating about the second axis 5. When the squareconnecting rod pivots, the support 10 is also driven in rotation aboutthe second axis of rotation, which drives the rotational guide elements14, then the optical deviation elements and the actuator in the samerotational direction. All of these components are thus taken as a singleassembly constrained to rotate about the second axis of rotation 5 toeffect a vertical movement of the light beam outputted from the lightingmodule 2.

The lighting module according to the invention, as described above, isarranged in a headlamp housing (not shown) of a motor vehicle. It isadvantageous for the two headlamps (left and right) to have equivalentassemblies. A plurality of lighting modules as described above may bearranged together to form a lighting and/or signaling device.

Depending on the lighting command instructions for the light sources andthe rotation command instructions for the lighting module, the inventionenables different combinations of functions to be provided and thelighting zone to be enlarged. Transverse pivoting of at least onelighting module enables lighting to the left or to the right of thevehicle while vertical pivoting of at least one lighting module enablesupward or downward lighting, depending on the conditions detected on theroad.

For this purpose, the device may include means for detecting drivingconditions, and means for processing an operating command instructionfor the lighting module or modules as a function of the information sentby said detection means. These command instructions enable thehorizontal and/or vertical rotational movement of at least one module,so as to direct the light beam generated by and outputted from thelighting module.

The description above clearly describes how the invention enables thestated objectives to be achieved, and in particular differentcombinations of functions to be provided and the lighting zone to beexpanded. Depending on the lighting command instructions for the lightsources and the rotation command instructions for the lighting modules,the invention enables one or more lighting modules 2 to be rotated aboutthe first axis of rotation 4 and/or the second axis of rotation 5, so asto enable the transverse movement and/or vertical movement of the lightbeam outputted from the lighting module, the addition of each light beamoutputted from the lighting module forming a global light beam enablinga large lighting and/or signaling zone, while observing the sizerestrictions of the lighting and/or signaling device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A lighting module for a motor vehiclecomprising: a light source designed to emit light rays; opticaldeviation elements mounted movably in rotation about a first axis ofrotation and arranged so as to deviate said light rays to form a lightbeam, the optical deviation elements including a reflector with areflective face, a lower end of the optical deviation elements connectedto an output shaft and an upper end of the optical deviation elementsincluding rotational guide elements; a support which carries the lightsource and a portion of the rotational guide elements for the opticaldeviation elements about the first axis of rotation, the supportincluding a circular upper face, a lower face, and a peripheral faceconnecting the upper and lower faces; and an actuator designed to rotatethe output shaft so as to rotate the optical deviation elements aboutthe first axis of rotation, wherein said module is movable in rotationabout a second axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular tothe first axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation isdefined at least partially by two projections projecting from theperipheral face of the support, the two projections designed tocooperate with bearings, wherein the light source is substantiallyaligned with the first axis of rotation, and wherein the first axis ofrotation passes through the support, the optical deviation elements, andthe actuator.
 2. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein thereflector is substantially elliptical, the light source being arrangedsubstantially in a vicinity of a first focus of said reflector.
 3. Thelighting module according to claim 1, wherein the lighting module isassociated with a connecting rod, which is rigidly connected at a firstend to the actuator and at a second end to the support carrying thelight source and overlapping the optical deviation elements.
 4. Thelighting module according to claim 3, wherein the lighting module isrotated about the second axis of rotation by an actuation elementdesigned to push the connecting rod.
 5. The lighting module according toclaim 4, wherein the actuation element is designed to push on the firstend of the connecting rod.
 6. The lighting module according to claim 4,wherein the actuation element includes a board carrying attachment meansthat are designed to cooperate with attachment means carried on theconnecting rod.
 7. A lighting device including at least one lightingmodule according to claim
 1. 8. The lighting device according to claim7, wherein the lighting module includes a housing and a closing outerlens delimiting a seat for the at least one lighting module.
 9. Thelighting device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one lightingmodule is associated with at least one plate rigidly connected to thehousing and carrying bearings used to define the second axis ofrotation.
 10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein thelighting module includes an assembly of at least two of said lightingmodules, each being involved in forming a primary light beam, anaggregation of the primary light beams forming a global light beam at anoutput of the device.
 11. The lighting device according to claim 10,wherein said second axis of rotation is specific to each lightingmodule.
 12. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein thelighting module includes an assembly of at least two of said lightingmodules each being involved in forming a primary light beam, anaggregation of the primary light beams forming a global light beam at anoutput of the device.
 13. The lighting device according to claim 7,wherein said second axis of rotation is specific to each lightingmodule.
 14. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the firstaxis of rotation extends in a vertical direction.